Funeral planning in Wyoming
What to do, what it costs, and what Wyoming actually requires, in plain words, one step at a time.
Wyoming guide
Read straight through, or jump to your situation. Save this link to come back anytime. Updated Apr 2026.
Good to know:24-hour waiting period before cremation (can be waived by coroner)
Tip:Families can care for their own dead without a funeral director
What things cost in Wyoming
Typical ranges for the Mountain region. Your local prices will differ, so always ask for an itemized quote.
Direct cremation
Gravely estimate$1,100–$2,500
Cremation with service
Survey data$4,700–$6,300
Traditional burial
Survey data$6,300–$8,500
Green burial
Gravely estimate$2,200–$5,200
How we got these numbers
Direct cremation: 20–45% of the 2023 NFDA Mountain regional cremation service median, rounded to the nearest $100. This is not an NFDA direct cremation median.
Cremation with service: Planning band of ±15% around the 2023 NFDA Mountain regional service median, rounded to the nearest $100.
Traditional burial: Planning band of ±15% around the 2023 NFDA Mountain regional service median, rounded to the nearest $100.
Green burial: 30–70% of the 2023 NFDA Mountain regional burial service median, rounded to the nearest $100. This is not an NFDA green burial median.
Cremation-with-service and traditional-burial planning bands are ±15% around 2023 NFDA Mountain regional medians, rounded to the nearest $100.
Direct cremation is a Gravely planning estimate equal to 20–45% of the applicable NFDA cremation service median.
Green burial is a Gravely planning estimate equal to 30–70% of the applicable NFDA burial service median.
These are regional or national planning ranges, not state-specific prices or provider quotes. Cemetery, monument, merchandise, and local provider fees may be separate. Ask providers for a current itemized General Price List.
Where did the death happen?
Jump straight to the steps for your situation.
- Wyoming does not require you to use a funeral director - families can handle arrangements themselves
- The state has minimal regulations, reflecting its rural traditions including home burials
- The Board of Funeral Service Practitioners oversees licensed funeral homes and can help with complaints
Wyoming's laws give families significant flexibility in honoring their loved ones. Take the time you need.
- Wyoming requires a 24-hour waiting period before cremation, though the county coroner can waive this
- A burial-transit permit is required before cremation can proceed
- The cremation permit is issued by the county coroner
- A casket is not required - an alternative container is acceptable
- Wyoming also allows alkaline hydrolysis (water cremation) as an option
- Home burial on private property is allowed - nothing in state law prohibits it
- Check with local zoning or code enforcement for any county-specific requirements
- Draw a map showing the burial location and file it with the property deed for future reference
- A burial-transit permit is required, which can be obtained after filing the death certificate
- A casket is not required by state law
The death certificate must be filed with the local registrar within 3 days of death
The attending physician certifies cause of death; for unnatural deaths, the county coroner handles this
Certified copies can be obtained from Vital Statistics Services in Cheyenne
We recommend ordering 8-10 certified copies for insurance, banks, and legal matters
Processing typically takes up to 5 business days
State and county probate rules vary. Use this as a starting point, not legal advice.
- You have the right to an itemized General Price List before making any decisions
- Funeral homes must accept caskets and urns purchased elsewhere without extra fees
- Wyoming has adopted the FTC Funeral Rule, providing federal consumer protections
- Embalming is not required by state law
- File complaints with the Wyoming Board of Funeral Service Practitioners at fspboard.wyo.gov
This guide is general information to help you plan, not legal, medical, financial, or tax advice. Laws, fees, and procedures change and can vary by county. Before acting on anything here, confirm the details with your funeral provider, the responsible state or county office, or a licensed professional.